"The Most Luxurious Train in The World"
Since its establishment more than 15 years ago, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-paneled coaches - classics remodeled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travelers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to two weeks, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendors as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes of Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush canefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape South Coast.
The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company.
The Suites
The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds.
Each one of these carriages, from kitchen cars to sleeper coaches and guards vans, has its own story. A few dating back to 1911 were constructed in Europe and shipped to South Africa in the first half of this century. Some carriages have carried royalty, while others have ended up serving as restaurants or lying derelict and forgotten on sidings for decades. All are now cherished members of the Rovos Rail fleet of 60 carriages.
The Royal Suites
The Royal Suites, each of which takes up half a carriage, are named after colourful characters of the Victorian era in South Africa, including Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and Alfred Beit. Spacious and elegant,the Royal Suites measure 16 sq metres in size (172 sq ft). Each one has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.
The Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites (11 sq meters/118sq feet,) restored with the same care as the Royals suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and an en suite bathroom and shower.
The suites offer guests the space to relax in privacy and the opportunity to travel in comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing desk and, for valuables, a personal safe. There's also a bar fridge filled with the drinks of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings are combined with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers, heaters and shaver plugs. The train has an onboard water and sewerage system, so showers and toilets may be used at any time.
Dining On Board
When you are catering for a full complement of 72 guests within the limited space of a train kitchen car, achieving a standard that rivals that of a top-class restaurant is a serious challenge. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests every need is catered for, while considerable thought and meticulous planning goes into making up the menus. Unlike many of the great trains of the world, travelers are on board the trains for several days at a time, requiring a much wider selection of meals.
There's an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there's a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals and preserves make up a tempting breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes, followed by a tempting dessert and are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines.
All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars.
Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains. Each one has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. Pictured above is No 195, Shangani, which was built in 1924 and was found parked in a siding in Alberton near Johannesburg before its acquisition by Rohan Vos in 1986. Three of the magnificent teak pillars had been removed and these were faithfully crafted, restoring the Victoria atmosphere.
Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot.
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Cape Town
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2 Nights aboard the "Most Luxurious Train in the World"
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Departs from Cape Town or Pretoria
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Fine Dining and Luxury Accommodations
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Special rates available
click here for more info on Rovos Rail Pretoria to Cape Town
Rovos Rail Cape Town to Tanzania
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14 Days/13 Nights Luxury Rail Safari
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"One of the most famous train journeys in the World"
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Visits South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Tanzania
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Special rates available
click here for more info on Rovos Rail Cape Town to Tanzania
Rovos Rail Garden Route
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Overnight on the "Most Luxurious Train in the World"
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Depart from Cape Town or George
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Fine Dining and Luxury Accommodations
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Special Rates available
click here for more info on Rovos Rail Garden Route
